Originally Posted by HBlurb

Ed does not say anything by accident. To Wall Street, he indicates that he provides a market leading elite experience exceeding other airlines. Today he told a different audience he is not providing an elite experience and reiterates a supposed comittment. Which he is not, he should try calling his customer service line and speaking to one of the 50% of those who answer who are in their first year or two of service. He will succeed in thinning the herd for sure and by walking back some of this he may keep those who buy the premium experience argument. I'll see what 2MM has bought me, apparently very little other than a free bag. There is not a chance I will keep my $695 Amex Platinum without lounge access and if I am not competing for Delta status, I have no reason to buy a DL international flight since they tossed non J passengers out of the lounges. If I do buy J, there are better options than DL. Next week on business travel I will not be on DL and will instead take the most convenient and lowest cost option.